In the Electric Mist

The problem from the outset of this film is that it is far too convoluted. That is a shame because Tommy Lee Jones as "Lt. Robicheaux" is on really good form. This adaptation of James Lee Burke's book needed a much more aggressive perspective in adapting the story to keep it taut to watch. This story sees him investigating the murder of a local prostitute who is tied up (not literally!) with local mobster "Baby Feet Balboni" (John Goodman) who is co-funding an American Civil War film. Simultaneously, the star of that movie - "Elrod Sykes" (Peter Sarsgaard) is pulled over for being under the influence and reveals that he has found a body in a swamp. A body that our detective believes may have been that of a person he saw murdered some 30-odd years ago... Investigations galore!! This is a much more character-driven crime drama with few distractions from what is a good lead performance of a good story. It is directed well when it is focussed, but it is not always focussed and at times it is just too busy.